Plagiocephaly, also known as flat head syndrome, is a condition characterized by an asymmetrical distortion (flattening of one side) of the skull. It is characterized by a flat spot on the back or one side of the head caused by remaining in a supine position for too long.
Etymology: Greek plagios“oblique, slanting,” , from PIE plag- “flat, spread,” from *plak, and cephal Modern Latin “head, skull, brain,” together means flat head. Plagiocephaly is the word that is used to describe a diagonal asymmetry across the head shape. This word particularly describes a flattening which is to one side at the back of the head and there is often some facial asymmetry.Plagiocephaly divides into two group:
1-Synostotic plagiocephaly with one or more cranial sutures are fused.
2-Nonsynostotic(deformational) plagiocephaly. Surgical treatment of these groups has deference method . However the treatment of deformational plagiocephaly is more controversial.
Brachycephaly describes a very wide head shape with a flattening across the whole back of the head.